Arthritis & Shoes - Brief article from Web MD

[Guest guest]

I've seen some folks here discussing their painful feet and thought

this article was good but brief on the subject. I have bunions & stiff

painful feet. I get a lot of relief from wearing good shoes.

Arthritis Foot care: It's in the Shoes

Many forms of arthritis commonly affect the feet. When they do,

walking can be difficult and painful.

Osteoarthritis frequently causes degeneration of the cartilage and

bony spurs at the base of the big toe. This is what leads to bunions.

Wider shoes may be necessary. High-heeled and pointed shoes should be

avoided since they can put unnecessary pressure at the point of the

bunion.

Degeneration of the arch of the foot can lead to spur formation on the

top of the foot. This can put pressure on adjacent nerves of

sensation, which can cause burning of the foot and toes. When this

discomfort occurs, patients should avoid tying the shoe tightly or

wear a shoe that does not bind at the point of the spur.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints at the ball of

the foot, which loosens their ligaments and can cause the bone to push

against the skin of the bottom of the foot. This can lead to tender

calluses and ulcerations at the ball of the foot, which may even

require surgical repair.

A bar of leather attached to the bottom of the shoe behind the arch of

the foot can help by displacing pressure from the ball to the middle

of the foot. Further rheumatoid deformity can cause the toes to cock

up, which can lead to abrasion of the tops of the toes.

Box-toed shoes can be extremely comfortable for persons with these

deformities. Lumps of soft tissues, called nodules, can form on the

sides of the foot, heel, or on the toes. Nodules can ulcerate from

abrasion of shoes. Sometimes, slits cut into the shoe at the point of

the nodules can help to relieve painful pressure. Furthermore, non-tie

style laces are now available, thus making it easier for persons with

rheumatoid arthritis to fasten the shoes.

Gout can cause hard deposits of uric acid crystals to form a lump at

the inner side of the base of the big toe. Depending on the size of

the deposit, there can be abrasion and even ulceration from the shoe.

Wider style shoes can be helpful.

Occasionally, doctors will examine the shoes that a patient has worn

to find evidence of deformity (for instance, a shoe leaning to one

side or another), wear, and alignment. The independent shoe exam is

like a history book of the use of the foot over recent months. It can

sometimes be used to help define not only causes of foot pains, but

also ankle, knee, or hip pains.

In general, running shoes are frequently an advantage because of their

lightweight. Proper shoes can provide welcome relief and often

improved function for patients with foot damage from arthritis. When

picking out a shoe, ALWAYS try on several pair and walk around in them

before purchasing. The salesperson will understand that you are

interested in both function and comfort.

Great-fitting shoes are worth investing time and effort. Be kind to

your feet and they will get you where you want to go!

Happy Trails